Failing to properly load and secure cargo on a truck is a serious issue, yet not uncommon. Many truck accidents are caused by improperly loaded or secured cargo. This often results in severe injuries.
Here is what to know:
How should cargo be loaded and secured?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), other federal agencies and state governments set rules on how cargo should be loaded, balanced and secured on a commercial truck.
For instance, the FMCSA requires that a securement system must be strong enough to withstand a forward braking force equal to 80% of the cargo’s total weight (0.8 g deceleration in the forward direction); withstand rearward forces equal to 50% of the cargo’s total weight (0.5 g acceleration in the rearward direction); and prevent cargo from shifting sideways when subjected to a lateral force equal to 50% of the cargo’s total weight (0.5 g acceleration in a lateral direction).
Additionally, drivers should inspect cargo and securement devices within the first 50 miles after beginning a trip, every three hours of driving, every 150 miles travelled and at every change of duty status. The FMCSA also has rules for securing specific commodities.
When cargo is not loaded or secured according to such legally binding rules or policies implemented by vehicle manufacturers and the operators themselves, safety hazards can exist.
Who can be responsible for improperly loaded or secured cargo?
Different parties can be held liable when improperly loaded or secured cargo causes an accident. This can be the truck driver, cargo loader, trucking company, freight broker or equipment manufacturer.
Improperly loaded or secured cargo can cause a rollover crash, a jackknife accident, falling debris or an increase in stopping distance. If you were injured in such an accident, consider legal guidance to receive the compensation you deserve.